Harry Houdini Original Vintage Magic Memorabilia Collectibles Autographs For Sale
Harry Houdini
Rare Authentic Vintage Signed Autograph
Superb large signature

 

Here is an extraordinary piece of history.  The greatest magician that ever lived , whose popularity today is even more then when he was alive 100 years ago...  

Superb large signature in vintage fountain pen ink, on a blank page taken from one of his books.    Terrific authentic flamboyant signature with his large “H” connecting both first and last names.    

Once in a while, especially for friends, Houdini would compose a more time consuming whimsical autograph which was usually larger with a more artistic flow.    This is one of those Prized finds!

Special Note:  
This large Rare Houdini signature variant came from the back page of one of Houdini's Twice-Signed books.  The second signature  (this one we are offering here)  came from the back blank page of his book and was removed to offer separately.     Houdini also signed the first page of the book with his unquestionable common signature and long dated inscription  (book is offered on this site separately).    Both signatures are in vintage fountain pen ink.     The book was the property of famous comedic magician Gordon Freeman (see his bio below).    

* See the enlargeable images below, including important provenance and evidence of authenticity of this signature variant.   
(*Images of Houdini Not included but just for presentation.  The reproduced images are easily acquired online).

Freeman Biography:
Gordon Freeman (1889-1979) did a comedy magic act, "The World's Worst Inventor."

His first public performance was at the ten years of age and he appeared many times before royalty.

Freeman was the nephew of the Professor Demain.

He appeared at Maskelyne's Theatre in 1925 and at Daly's Theatre, Leicester Square, in August 1932.

Below is a short British Pathe film titled,  "And now - the Troubles of a Conjuror - by Gordon Freeman, the well-known magician.".  Circa late 1920s/early 30s

Here is a RARE Video of Gordon Freeman circa  1930.  SEE HERE

* See images above and below.  (NOTE: Houdini image photos not included but just to show how Amazing this Autograph piece will look with your choice of Houdini photos). 

See images below for added important provenance. . 

Condition: Excellent vintage toned page removed from one of his famous books for museum quality presentation. 

A prized find any collector will be proud to have and showcase ..

NOTE: Be sure to check out our new Houdini finds including an Amazing Autographed book and Two original vintage "Houdini Challenge" handbills/posters.   See Houdini Collection HERE
 

More Background Info:
For those of you that have been kind enough to stay with my newsletter for a lengthy time now, You have probably realized I've evolved into an avid  Harry Houdini admirer and collecting enthusiast.   

NOTE:  After 40 years of collecting I've developed a high degree of skill and expertise with Mr Houdini's Authentic signature and handwriting.  Consequently, I am able to detect Well-done Forgeries such as those I've seen on eBay recently, that most collectors and dealers would easily miss.   Which is why we also Guarantee Authenticity for Life .   * Many of my customers know that the History Channel’s  hit TV Show “Pawn Stars” had an episode in December 2014 where they invited a reputable dealer to appear with a museum grade SIGNED Harry Houdini book.  The episode was titled, “Hiding Houdini”.  I was that dealer.   The producers found our website, Cvtreasures, and contacted me several times trying to recruit me for their show.    And eventually I appeared in Three episodes including the historic Houdini episode.   You can still Google this episode. 

And if you've been getting my vintage collectibles newsletter for some time then you most likely have not met anyone else that scours the Universe in search of the most extraordinary Houdini artifacts and Signed Memorabilia from the most famous and  immortal magician.   Even the History Channel’s hit TV show “Pawn Stars” was so impressed with our Houdini Collection when they discovered my website and repeatedly invited me to appear on their show.   After about a year of cajoling, I flew to Las Vegas and did three episodes on “Pawn Stars” with Rick and Corey, although private I spent more time with Chumley  and chatted with the “Old Man” in his office.   You can see our favorite episode “Hiding Houdini” available on demand.

Houdini is one of those Rare historical figures whose popularity has crossed over to generation after generation without skipping a beat.  His star shines as bright as it did 100 years ago, maybe even brighter today than ever.    That’s why both young and old are mesmerized by Houdini and why Houdini collectors are so passionate.

Authentic Houdini signed items (especially of this quality) don’t appear on the market very often.  But as you can see here,  we have found one of the most exquisite autographed examples.   He most famous book with the most pristine bold vintage fountain pen signatures and handwritten sentiments you’ll ever come across.  A choice example for the most discerning collector and Houdini fan.   

Note:   Since we last offered a Signed Harry Houdini book about three years ago,  his signed treasures, Especially his books like "The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin" have significantly increased in value, selling regualrly at Magic Specialty auctions for $5000-7000!    

NOTE:  Like the other historical SIGNED Houdini books and photos we've offered over the past 30+ years, this WON'T last long either!


A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT 3rd Party Authentication: 

As a collector of high end vintage autographs since 1980, I’ve seen the autograph industry go through several cycles including countless authentication companies and the corresponding many personnel changes.  In the early days, 1980s and early 90s, the authentication companies were primarily for sports autographs.  Eventually due to market demand,  they expanded to non sports and eventually went from a specialized sports autograph focus  to a broad “we-do-it-all” service.     This transition had both Pros and Cons.  The Pros are an authentication service for Non-Sports autographs and independent authentication has been a good solution to combating the forgery industry. .  

The Cons include an often exaggerated expertise to accommodate the demand from hundreds of various categories like sports, non sports, art, political, science, music, etc etc.    It’s just unrealistic to think a small group of individuals have the required high level of expertise authenticating signatures from Everything, from so many genres.    

Also, because of the lack of expertise for non sports categories the authenticators rely on database examples to compare to.  Hence, a rare uncommon “variant” signature that one is most likely not in their database will accordingly often be automatically rejected.   

While my expertise is limited,  I have acquired a high level of skill with certain vintage film, politics and historical signatures.  One such figure is Harry Houdini who I have collected for over 30 years.  Within that time looking at hundreds of examples,  I have discovered Houdini had at least a few signature variants including a flamboyant  “Single H”  that encompassed One H  followed by his first and last name.      This rare style is most likely not in the authenticator databases so they would reject it based on a lack of experience, historical data and/or provenance data. 

Here we have just that Very Rare Harry Houdini signature, that with due diligence and by a collector with solid Houdini expertise will conclude is a solid Genuine signature.    This particular signature was removed from the back page of a Houdini book that he Also Inscribed, dated and signed on the front page with his common signature and unmistakable handwriting.  

The diligent collector will research and find this vary Houdini variant having been sold at two major auction companies and a prominent antique online bookstore.   But, the other examples of this vary Houdini signature you can find online were  previously signed without an inscription, hence lacking that extra layer of authentication data as Houdini inscriptions were very distinct and eliminated the possibility of a secretarial.  UNTIL, this past April 2023, at the most prominent Houdini and Magic Specialty Auction,  sold a Houdini book with this very variant signature with a coveted full dated Houdini inscription.   And you seasoned Magic and Houdini collectors know what highly regarded Houdini Auction this is in Chicago.  

Below is the image of this auctioned book with the very same “Single H” variant with Houidni’s unmistakable inscription handwriting.  Compare to our signature offered here.     Long time Houdini collectors don’t need all this explanation, they already know.

In conclusion, we cannot rely on 3rd party authentication for this particular Houdini Authentic  variant signature and  hurried, ill-equipped opinion on this one.    But, we WILL Guarantee any reputable Houdini expert (like Potter Auctions) will approve this to be Authentic. 
 

Guaranteed Authentic for Life
Conway's Vintage Treasures
UACC Registered Dealer No 307

Note: Cvtreasures stamp NOT on original

* See enlargeable images above and below